⏳Short in time? Here is a quick guide for you:
Why You Should Use A VPN With Alexa
Alexa is an IoT device, more commonly known as an Internet of Things device. These are computing devices that connect wirelessly to a network and also have the ability to transmit data. The reason we mention this is because IoT devices are often very vulnerable. For instance, IoT devices generally have an insecure network that runs on the device itself, they compromise your confidential information and can also allow unauthorized control. Naturally, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the sole tool that comes to anyone’s mind when discussing a secured network. All premium VPNs provide a very secure connection that is also encrypted and keeps you safe from any stalking eyes. It is recommended that you use a VPN with all of your IoT devices. We know that IoT devices are often vulnerable, but are hackers the only threat? Not really. Alexa could be a threat to you and your privacy. This is a quite fair conclusion, as purchasing Alexa is as good as inviting a huge microphone to your house. Let’s understand how Alexa may be a threat to your privacy. In early 2018, a woman’s Alexa recorded a private conversation with her husband and sent it to a random contact of hers. The random contact then contacted the woman’s husband and warned them to turn off all Alexa devices as he had been receiving their audio. Naturally, the woman is now scared to own any Alexa devices and simply does not trust them. She describes that she felt her privacy was invaded. It might be safe to say that Alexa is not very privacy friendly if it has the power to record and send your conversations to any contact of yours for no reason.
Can Alexa Work With A VPN?
Most Premium VPNs offer a VPN for your router, meaning your Wi-Fi connection is secure regardless of what device you use it with. Every device that is connected to your internet will benefit from the security and privacy that are provided by the VPN.
Best VPNs For Alexa
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN also supports six simultaneous connections, split tunneling, and a strict no-logs policy. Additionally, it also provides 24/7 live customer support that could help you set up ExpressVPN on Alexa if you run into any sort of trouble.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is also one of the top VPN service providers that offer an OpenVPN manual configuration for your routers. It can help hide your IP address, protect your network traffic, and also fake your geographic location online. It has added protection against hackers and trackers.
3. SurfShark
SurfShark is yet another great VPN that supports installation on your router. It is quite affordable and can protect your Alexa Integrated devices with its features. Naturally, it offers an OpenVPN configuration profile, making it easier for you to install a VPN on your router. While SurfShark may not have as many servers, it does provide its own unique DNS for each VPN server. This private DNS can keep your Alexa and other IoT devices very safe from any hacks or privacy breaches.
4. CyberGhost
Setting up the OpenVPN configuration profile on your router is quite easy with CyberGhost. It provides military-grade AES 256-bit encryption as well, protecting your network traffic from being leaked or hacked.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) also offers exclusive DNS servers, providing you with more security against all online threats on all of your devices.
Known Issues When Using VPN with Alexa
There have been multiple reports about some issues Alexa runs into when connected to a VPN. One of the most common issues that you may find is when Alexa shows you the red ring and says “Sorry, I’m having trouble understanding right now.” While Alexa may deal with issues every now and then due to the use of a VPN, many users have been able to successfully use a VPN with Alexa for more than a year now.
Conclusion
Thankfully, most of the security concerns can be dealt with by the use of a VPN. While Alexa may not allow in-built VPN applications or native support for VPNs, you can connect Alexa to a VPN through your router. This will keep your connection and network traffic encrypted.
